Zesty Lemon Linguine with Broccoli Delight
This Zesty Lemon Linguine with Broccoli Delight is a vibrant and healthy pasta dish that's perfect for family mealtime. Packed with nutritious whole wheat linguine and vibrant broccoli florets, this dish has a delightful zing from fresh lemon juice and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. The creamy texture of butter and the savory flavor of grated parmesan cheese make this meal irresistible, especially to toddlers! Not only is this a nutritious option for picky eaters, but it doubles as a fantastic side dish to grilled chicken or fish. Enjoy a deliciously simple way to nourish your family with this colorful, quick-to-make pasta dish.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole wheat linguine
8 ounces (uncooked)
butter
1 tablespoon (unsalted, for sautéing)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
lemon juice
2 teaspoons (freshly squeezed)
grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (for topping)
broccoli florets
1 cup (cooked and chopped)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoli by steaming or boiling it until tender, then drain and set aside.
3
Once the pasta is ready, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the linguine.
4
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cooked linguine back into the pot and mix well with the butter.
5
Stir in the salt, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice, mixing until everything is evenly coated.
6
Add the cooked broccoli and toss gently to combine. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of reserved pasta water as needed.
7
Before serving, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top and mix to distribute evenly.
8
Serve warm and enjoy this delicious dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The dish is Zesty Lemon Linguine with Broccoli Delight, a vibrant and healthy pasta meal.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Is this recipe suitable for toddlers?
Yes, it is categorized as toddler-friendly and is designed to be appealing to picky eaters.
What type of pasta is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of uncooked whole wheat linguine.
How long should the linguine be cooked?
Cook the linguine for about 8-10 minutes according to package instructions until al dente.
How much broccoli is needed for this recipe?
You will need 1 cup of cooked and chopped broccoli florets.
How should the broccoli be prepared?
The broccoli should be steamed or boiled until tender, then drained and chopped.
What providing the zesty flavor in this pasta?
The zesty flavor comes from 2 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Is there any spice in this lemon linguine?
Yes, it contains 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Should I save any of the pasta water?
Yes, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the linguine.
What is the purpose of the reserved pasta water?
It is used to add moisture to the pasta if the dish seems too dry after mixing.
What type of butter is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.
Can this linguine be served as a side dish?
Absolutely, it doubles as a fantastic side dish for grilled chicken or fish.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe specifies 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or more to taste.
When do I add the butter to the dish?
Melt the butter in the pot after draining the pasta, then add the linguine back in to coat it.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is described as a quick-to-make pasta dish perfect for busy family mealtimes.
When should the parmesan cheese be added?
Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top just before serving and mix to distribute it evenly.
What are the key tags for this recipe?
Tags include pasta, toddler friendly, healthy recipe, broccoli, quick meal, lemon, whole wheat, and family-friendly.
Can I use regular linguine instead of whole wheat?
While the recipe specifies whole wheat for nutrition, regular linguine can be used as a substitute.
Is the broccoli added at the same time as the lemon juice?
The broccoli is added after the salt, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice have been mixed with the pasta.
How is the pasta water salted?
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt before adding the linguine.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish is best served warm.
Does this recipe contain any protein sources?
The primary protein comes from the whole wheat pasta and parmesan cheese, but it pairs well with grilled meats.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: linguine, butter, salt, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, parmesan, and broccoli.
What is the texture of the final dish?
It has a creamy texture from the butter and cheese, combined with the tender-crisp broccoli.
Is the lemon juice added before or after the broccoli?
The lemon juice is stirred into the buttered pasta before the broccoli is tossed in.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can make it vegan by substituting the butter with olive oil and using a vegan parmesan alternative.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Yes, using whole wheat linguine and broccoli increases the fiber content of the meal.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.